Provolone Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese
Provolone Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Provolone Cheese?
Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a stretched curd. It runs from the very sharp piccante, aged at least four months, to the mild dolce.
What Is Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Raclette du Valais is a semi-hard cow milk cheese from the Swiss Canton of Valais, sold in wheels of about 6 kg (13 lb). It holds an AOP and is used above all for melting in the dish that shares its name.
What's the Difference Between Provolone Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?
- Origin: Provolone Cheese (Italy), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland)
- Texture: Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Aging: Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker)
- Taste: Provolone Cheese (tangy), Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal')
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provolone Cheese | Raclette du Valais Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Campania, Italy | Canton Of Valais |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk, Eringer breed |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | — | Washed |
| Aging | At least 4 months for piccante | Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker |
| Taste | Tangy | 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' |
Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' character. Aging plays into this as well. Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante develops a different profile than Raclette du Valais Cheese at minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.
Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
In most recipes, Provolone Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese reads as tangy while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' notes.
Which Is Better, Provolone Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, artisan cheese, go with Provolone Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette du Valais Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Raclette du Valais Cheese fits dishes calling for 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Provolone Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Provolone Cheese originates in Italy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Provolone Cheese is typically aged at least 4 months for piccante, Raclette du Valais Cheese minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.
Is Provolone Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Provolone Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. It originates in Italy.
What is Raclette du Valais Cheese made of?
Raclette du Valais Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth.